This survey covers civil, electrical and electronics, energy, environment, general, materials, mechanical, and traffic and transportation engineering. Areas such as biomedical and…
Abstract
This survey covers civil, electrical and electronics, energy, environment, general, materials, mechanical, and traffic and transportation engineering. Areas such as biomedical and chemical engineering will be dealt with in future issues. Readers may find that the classifications included in this survey are not mutually exclusive but do occasionally overlap with one another. For instance, the section on environmental engineering includes a review of a book on the environmental impact of nuclear power plants, which might as easily have been part of the section on energy technology. Before we go into a discussion of data bases and indexes, I would like to note in this introductory section some recent bibliographic aids published during the period surveyed. Most engineering libraries will find them very valuable in their reference and acquisition functions. Since normal review sources will cover these books, I am merely listing them below: Malinowski, Harold Robert, Richard A. Gray and Dorothy A. Gray. Science and Engineering Literature. 2d ed., Littleton, Colorado, Libraries Unlimited, 1976. 368p. LC 76–17794 ISBN 0–87287–098–7. $13.30; Mildren, K. W., ed. Use of Engineering Literature. Woburn, Mass., Butterworths, 1976. 621p. ISBN 0–408–70714–3. $37.95. Mount, Ellis. Guide to Basic Information Sources in Engineering. New York, Wiley, Halsted Press, 1976. 196p. LC 75–43261 ISBN 0–47070–15013–0. $11.95 and Guide to European Sources of Technical Information. 4th ed., edited by Ann Pernet. Guernsey, Eng., F. Hodgson, 1976. 415p. ISBN 0–85280–161–0. $52.00.
Robert C. Bushnell, James T. Low and James B. Wiley
For many years it has been recognised that physical distribution is a promising area for the application of system modelling techniques. Freight transportation systems offer a…
Abstract
For many years it has been recognised that physical distribution is a promising area for the application of system modelling techniques. Freight transportation systems offer a rare combination of tractability and realistic opportunity for improvement. Large‐scale freight network models, for example, can be useful to state and national transportation system planners. Among other uses, the models permit examination of the impact of proposed changes on modal competition and on the flow of traffic over certain routes. Carriers may also find network models useful for their more limited planning purposes, such as determining the consequences of changes in a physical system. For example, facilities or links can be added, deleted, or modified in order to analyse the effects on tonnage and mode of shipment for the affected commodities. Specific routes can be added or eliminated in order to determine the worth of using those routes. Finally, firms can change the commodity tonnage between specific origins and destinations in order to assess future transportation needs.
The present data illustrate the effectiveness of utilizing theoretically guided models to develop consumer-based micro-segmentation strategies. The results provide marketers with…
Abstract
The present data illustrate the effectiveness of utilizing theoretically guided models to develop consumer-based micro-segmentation strategies. The results provide marketers with a powerful discriminant function calculated from six variables to profile consumers and make informed decisions regarding promotional content and channel delivery to stimulate processing of marketing communication. The function also enables marketers to carve out casual, moderate, and loyal market segments with 74.3 per cent accuracy utilizing only 18 survey questions.
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This chapter aims to find an optimal way to hedge foreign exchange exposures on three main currency pairs being the EURUSD, EURGBP and EURJPY. Furthermore, it analyses the risk…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter aims to find an optimal way to hedge foreign exchange exposures on three main currency pairs being the EURUSD, EURGBP and EURJPY. Furthermore, it analyses the risk level of each portfolio together with its kurtosis level. This chapter also looks into the relationship between the EURUSD portfolios and the VIX level.
Methodology/approach
This study is based on a back-testing analysis over a period of seven years starting in January 2007 and ending in December 2014. Two main Foreign Exchange Premium-Free strategies were structured using the Bloomberg Terminal. These were the ‘At-Expiry Forward Extra’ and the ‘Window Forward Extra’. Portfolios were created using FX options strategies, FX spot and FX forwards. The EURUSD portfolios were also analysed and compared with the VIX level in order to see whether volatility has a direct effect on the outcome of the strategies. The statistical significance of the difference between returns of portfolios was analysed using a paired sample t-test. Finally, the histogram and distribution curve of each portfolio were created and plotted in order to provide a more visual analysis of returns.
Findings
It was found that the optimal strategies in all cases were the FX option strategies. The portfolios’ risk was analysed and indicated that optimal portfolios do not necessarily derive the lowest risk. It was also found that with a high VIX level, the forward contract was the most beneficial whilst the option strategy benefited from a low VIX level. When testing for statistical significance between returns of different portfolios, in most cases, the difference in returns between portfolios resulted to be statistically insignificant. Although some similarities were noticed in distribution curves, these differed from the normal distribution. When analysing the kurtosis levels, it is found that such levels differed from that of a normal distribution which has a kurtosis level of 3. Interpretation of such histograms, distribution curves and the kurtosis analysis was explained.
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Chris Ansell, Arjen Boin and Moshe Farjoun
The environment of most organizations is beset by continuous change, instability, flux, and unpredictability. If organizations are to survive and prosper under such conditions…
Abstract
The environment of most organizations is beset by continuous change, instability, flux, and unpredictability. If organizations are to survive and prosper under such conditions, they must be capable of dynamic adaption and stable and reliable performance. Organization theory recognizes the importance of both imperatives, but typically assumes that they pull organizations in different directions. Building on Selznick’s theory of institutionalization, we argue that institutions can, should and sometimes do master the challenge of being responsive and stable, while avoiding the potentially destructive tendencies of rigidity and opportunism. Contrary to a prominent view that strong institutionalization leads to inertia, Selznick’s theory suggests that strong institutions are capable of preemptive adaptation to protect the character of their institutions. We describe this state as one of dynamic conservatism and explore four types of preemptive internal reform strategies: strategic retreat, self-cannibalization, experimentation, and repositioning. We conclude with a consideration of factors that might moderate the ability of strong institutions to proactively change in order to remain the same.
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James Wiley, Ian Wilkinson and Louise Young
The objective is to review theories of the impact of network relations and present empirical evidence on their nature and impacts. Among the questions addressed are: Who initiates…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective is to review theories of the impact of network relations and present empirical evidence on their nature and impacts. Among the questions addressed are: Who initiates network relations? Which ones are important and why? and What is the nature of the affects in important relationships?
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis is based on the IMP2 omnibus survey of international B2B business relations, specifically Swedish, German and Chinese firms.
Findings
While there are some differences between countries, contrary to conventional wisdom, no evidence can be found that Chinese firms differ from European firms on the above questions.
Research limitations/implications
China is rapidly evolving a market‐based economy and its firms increasingly interact with foreign customers and suppliers. It is to be expected in particular that Chinese responses to the questions regarding network relations will evolve. An implication is that studies of this sort should be periodically repeated over the next decade.
Practical implications
The results imply that Chinese and European firms characterize their relationships with important customers using largely the same factors and that the perceived importance of these factors largely is the same.
Originality/value
The survey reflects the conceptual structure of the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) Group. The IMP2 database is one of the largest omnibus, cross‐national surveys that collects information of B2B relationships.
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James B. Wiley, Jayne Krisjanous and Elisabeth Cavana
There is a lack of literature analysing the characteristics and purchasing behaviour of “Tweeners”. This paper aims to focus on components of visual content targeting Tweeners in…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a lack of literature analysing the characteristics and purchasing behaviour of “Tweeners”. This paper aims to focus on components of visual content targeting Tweeners in order to better understand their characteristics and, importantly, so that marketers may better design and deliver effective and appealing communications.
Design/methodology/approach
Three components of visual content are studied: outfit, backdrop, and model size. A controlled experiment is used. A Fishbein formulation is adopted with evaluative beliefs being toward visual components and attitude is toward the advertisement, Aad. The key research questions concern the relationships between evaluative beliefs regarding visual components, Aad, and intentions to purchase fashion apparel.
Findings
The paper reveals that purchase intentions for most categories of outfits are unaffected by the backdrop of the advertisement. However, a pronounced interaction between outfit and backdrop is found for one category of outfit. In contrast with research using older girls and women, no effect for body size is found.
Research limitations/implications
In order to control model characteristics, a single model image was manipulated to produce the model size treatment. Only four outfits and two backdrop conditions were used. Replications with more models, outfits, and backdrops are needed. This is especially true of backgrounds and outfits, given the strong backdrop by outfit interaction.
Originality/value
The lack of a model size effect and the strong outfit by backdrop interaction suggest generalising research conducted with older groups to the younger cohort may be inappropriate.
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The modular data base approach has been developed as an accounting device since 1972, when the American Accounting Association published the findings of the committee which it had…
Abstract
The modular data base approach has been developed as an accounting device since 1972, when the American Accounting Association published the findings of the committee which it had set up “to prepare a report setting forth appropriate cost and revenue concepts and reporting techniques for planning, control and decision making in marketing, including physical distribution systems which may encompass the totality of production and marketing”. In that year two of the authors of the report, Mossman and Fischer, presented their initial findings to the James R. Riley Symposium on Business Logistics. Since then Mossman, Crissy and Fischer have further developed the concept, while Constantine and Lusch and Lambert and Armitage have concentrated on the implementation of the system, the latter being currently at the mid point of a five year research project whose objective is the operationalisation of the concept.
The modular data base approach has been developed as an accounting device since 1972, when the American Accounting Association published the findings of the committee which it had…
Abstract
The modular data base approach has been developed as an accounting device since 1972, when the American Accounting Association published the findings of the committee which it had set up “to prepare a report setting forth appropriate cost and revenue concepts and reporting techniques for planning, control and decision making in marketing, including physical distribution systems which may encompass the totality of production and marketing”. In that year two of the authors of the report, Mossman and Fischer, presented their initial findings to the James R. Riley Symposium on Business Logistics. Since then Mossman, Crissy and Fischer have further developed the concept, while Constantine and Lusch and Lambert and Armitage have concentrated on the implementation of the system, the latter being currently at the midpoint of a five year research project whose objective is the operationalisation of the concept.
This paper aims to assess consumer perceptions of extended warranties that are marketed by the manufacturer for an independent service provider as applied to the purchase of a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess consumer perceptions of extended warranties that are marketed by the manufacturer for an independent service provider as applied to the purchase of a computer by mail catalog, telephone ordering, or the internet.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive survey of a large sample of consumers in the USA was conducted using data collection by the internet. Measurement was responses to eight Likert scales of agreement and two demographic items.
Findings
Significant differences between perceptions of females and males were observed. Overall, there was no relationship between perceptions and age, although there were significant differences for some scale items. There were no interaction effects of gender and age. A major finding is that although service is provided by an independent service company, consumers believe it to be provided by the manufacturer.
Originality/value
This is the first known examination of the specific research questions underlying the study.